Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What condition does an adult have with a consistent blood pressure measurement of 150/90?

1. Hypotension

2. Hypertension

3. Normotension

4. Hypertensive crisis

The correct answer is: Hypertension

A consistent blood pressure measurement of 150/90 indicates that the adult is experiencing hypertension, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. The American Heart Association defines hypertension as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher. Since this measurement exceeds those thresholds, particularly the systolic reading, it confirms a diagnosis of hypertension. This condition may require lifestyle changes or medical management to lower the blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. The other conditions mentioned in the choices represent different states of blood pressure. Hypotension refers to abnormally low blood pressure, normotension indicates a normal blood pressure range, and a hypertensive crisis refers to severely elevated blood pressure that can lead to organ damage, typically defined as a systolic blood pressure over 180 mm Hg or diastolic pressure over 120 mm Hg, which is not the case here.